What is Guardianship?Guardianship is a legal relationship in which an appointed guardian is authorized by the Clerk of Superior Court to be a substitute decision maker for an incompetent adult.

Who may need a Guardian?*An elderly person*Persons with intellectual developmental disabilities*Persons with severe and persistent mental illness*Persons with severe and persistent substance abuse issues*Persons with a traumatic brain injury

What Guardianship can provide:*We serve as a surrogate decision maker regarding a person's services, which may include medical, residential, psychiatric, and psychological services.*We monitor these services by maintaining contact with providers and meeting regularly with both the individual and their providers.*We visit the individuals and maintain a positive relationship with both the person and their families, or significant others.*We advocate for the person's best interest and least restrictive living environment.*We coordinate with all available community resources in order to provide the most comprehensive services available to the individual.

What Guardianship can't provide:*We cannot force individuals to change their behaviors.*We cannot force individuals to act in their own best interests.*We cannot force medical, psychiatric, or residential services.*We cannot prevent self-destructive behaviors or relationships.*We cannot prevent a person from leaving an unlocked facility.*We cannot force an agency or hospital to provide services.